PAPHOS, CYPRUS

Located on the southwest coast of Cyprus, the city transports you back to ancient Greece – it’s regarded as the birthplace of goddess Aphrodite – and historical sites, such as the Tomb of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet it also offers a modern harbour packed with lively bars and restaurants along with sun-soaked beaches.

What’s new? Sun-seekers can head to Antasia Beach Club, which opened last summer on Kato Paphos beach. The two-floor site includes indoor and outdoor spaces, an extensive roof terrace overlooking Paphos Castle, and a restaurant and bar with Asianinfluenced cuisine.

Stay: Annabelle Hotel opened in 1985 as the first 5-star hotel in Paphos. Set across 24 sq km of lush seafront gardens, it comprises 244 contemporary rooms and suites, three outdoor pools, and Ouranos Wellbeing Spa – a rooftop spa named after the Greek god of the sky and the heavens. Plus there are ten dining venues and bars – from alfresco mezze to candlelit tables overlooking the water gardens.

There are no direct flights operating from the Gulf to Paphos, but there are many options to fly to destinations in Turkey, Greece or Eastern Europe and catch a connecting flight from there.

ABOVE: Aerial view of Paphos embankment FAR LEFT: Studio Suite at Annabelle Hotel left: Lush tropical gardens at Annabelle Hotel